Octogenarians face higher risks post-cholecystectomy

Octogenarians undergoing cholecystectomy demonstrate significantly higher risks of serious complications and mortality compared to younger patients. In a national analysis of 288,705 cases, octogenarians exhibited increased rates of open procedures, longer hospital stays, and a 3.29 times greater risk of mortality. Minimally invasive surgery emerged as a protective factor against complications, while functional dependence was linked to higher morbidity. These findings underscore the need for careful preoperative assessment of functional status in elderly patients.